New technology helps grow trees around Jacob's Well

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The environment for growing trees in Central Texas can be a difficult one. TreeFolks, a nonprofit from Austin, is testing out new technology to help give trees a better chance at survival, all while helping an area troubled by drought.

KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Marina Weikel, carbon and GIS coordinator for TreeFolks, about the technology and how it works.

Q&A with TreeFolks

This interview has been edited for clarity.

Meteorologist Nick Bannin: You've got some new technology that you're testing out, tell us about the Groasis Waterboxx?

Marina Weikel, Carbon and GIS Coordinator: The Groasis Waterboxx is part of a pilot project that we're working on as part of our Central Texas floodplain reforestation program here at TreeFolks. [It is] essentially a water catchment system. So they're these plastic boxes that are specifically engineered to collect dew and promote condensation, as well as capture rainwater. This will fill a reservoir inside the box, which will slowly deliver water to trees via a wick. This goes out about 50 milliliters slowly throughout the course of the day, our hope is that this is enough water to sustain these young trees throughout the most difficult parts of the summer, but also not quite so much that they aren't encouraged to go out and search for a more permanent water source on their own.

Bannin: And it seems like it prevents water loss by the shape of [the box] around the growing tree as well?

Weikel: Absolutely. So not only does it catch water and supply a source of water, it also itself acts as a moisture barrier preventing evaporation from the soil.

Bannin: And you've put in these tree boxes at a well-known local site?

Weikel: Yes, we planted 250 Growasis Waterboxxes at the Jacob's Well Natural Area in Wimberley. Each of these boxes has two trees....in addition to planting trees there for the natural beauty in the shade. Trees also do a lot of work to enhance water quality, improve water infiltration into the soil. So we're really trying to improve the general ecological health of the area, the biodiversity, but also working within the floodplain to improve our water resources in Central Texas and Jacob's Well. It's just a fantastic example of that.